School of Social Science and Humanities

MA History (First World War)

MA Part-time 28 months

The History (First World War) MA is the longest running course of its type in the U.K. It offers an exceptional opportunity to study the First World War with leading scholars of the conflict.

The History (First World War) MA is the longest running course of its type in the U.K. It offers an exceptional opportunity to study the First World War with leading scholars of the conflict.

Award
MA
Start date(s)
October 2024, October 2025
UCAS Code
Course specifications
Course length
Part-time (28 months)
Campus location
University: City Campus
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

The History (First World War) MA is the longest running course of its type in the U.K. It offers an exceptional opportunity to study the First World War with leading scholars of the conflict.

The First World War shaped the 20th Century and its legacy is still felt today. The conflict remains deeply controversial. This course will allow you to study the war from a variety of angles to develop your understanding of its causes, course and consequences. Primarily focussed on Britain and the British Empire at war, the MA considers the strategic, military and social aspects of the conflict.

What's unique about this course?

  • The History (First World War) MA is the longest running course of its type in the U.K.

  • This course offers an exceptional opportunity to study the First World War with leading scholars of the conflict.

  • The First World War shaped the 20th Century and its legacy is still felt today, we investigate its impact throughout all modules. 

What happens on the course?

This part-time course takes place on Saturdays at the University of Wolverhampton. Saturday schools take place once a month from October to June. After completing your second year of studies, you will have  research and write your dissertation between July and January. The remainder of the course is spent researching and writing your dissertation.

A typical Saturday school includes lectures from expert scholars, student-led presentations on key topics, and expansive discussion sessions. The course is divided into thematic modules which consider the war in its strategic, military, imperial and social aspects. Each taught module consists of three Saturday schools and is assessed by a final essay. You will study modules such as Politics and Strategy, the British Empire, the Western Front, the Wider War, and Total War.

The dissertation is an original piece of research, chosen in co-operation with an academic supervisor, which represents the culmination of the degree. Completion of the dissertation is a milestone moment and many students go on to publish aspects of their thesis in magazines, journals or edited collections.

'I loved the experience of coming to the University and being part of a cohort of like-minded and interested colleagues. Participating in structured discussions and reading has enabled me to become more analytical in my approach to sources. The breadth of the curriculum opened new areas away from the Western Front – for me naval warfare and the home front in particular. Our lecturers were great.'

The challenge of meeting high academic standards was a steep learning curve – but I got there. Overall, a great experience and one which was worth all the hard work.'

David Barras, 2022 Graduate

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of First World War.

  • Exercise critical, evaluative, and analytical skills in relation to published and archival sources.

  • Communicate your ideas effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.

  • Demonstrate the ability to plan and undertake independent research.

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Part-time £3998 per year 2022-23
Home Part-time £4198 per year 2023-24
Home Part-time £4408 per year 2024-25

These fees relate to new entrants only for the academic year indicated for entry onto the course, any subsequent years study may be subject to an annual increase, usually in line with inflation.

A 2:2 or above in a relevant Honours Degree is desirable, but applicants with other qualifications and non-graduates will be considered on individual merits.

The History (First World War) MA is the longest running course of its type in the U.K. It is taught by scholars who combine expert research with excellent teaching. The course takes place at the University of Wolverhampton, centrally located in the United Kingdom and boasting excellent transportation links. Previous students have attended the course from across the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as from France and Germany.

As part of the course you will join a vibrant history community. The University of Wolverhampton boasts the longest running BA (Hons.) War Studies course in the U.K. You will have access to a well-stocked university library which includes both hard copies and e-books and e-journals, as well as an effective inter-library loan system.

Postgraduate Loan (Home Fee Status):

You may be able to get a postgraduate student loan from Student Finance England of up to £12,167 to help pay for a Master’s degree. Applications are made through Student Finance England and more information on the regulations and eligibility criteria can be found at Masters Loans gov.uk.

* Any RPL will invalidate your eligibility as you must study a minimum of 180 credits


Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as Overseas (International) students for fee purposes. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.


Postgraduate Loyalty Discount:

You can get 20% discount on a taught on-site postgraduate course if you’re a University of Wolverhampton Graduate.

The University offers a generous 20% Loyalty Discount to students progressing from an undergraduate programme to a taught postgraduate programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree as long as this is your first Masters level qualification.

The discount applies to the first year of enrolment only. Students who receive a loyalty discount are not entitled to any further tuition discount or bursary. For full terms and conditions click here.


Self-funded:

If you are paying for the fees yourself then the fees can be paid in 3 instalments: November, January and April. More information can be found by clicking here.


Sponsored - Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

Your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Charitable Funding:

You might also want to explore the possibility of funding from charitable trusts; please see the following websites Association of Charitable Foundations, Directory of Social Change or Family Action. Most charities and trust funds offer limited bursaries targeted to specific groups of students so you will need to research whether any of them are relevant to your situation.


You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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